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Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service
VTMD-9130
Leptospirosis
Elisabeth J. Giedt, D.V.M., M.B.A.
Director of Continuing Education, Extension and Community
Engagement
Center for Veterinary Health Sciences
Oklahoma State University
What is Leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is a potential serious illness caused by the
bacteria Leptospira, which can affect both people and animals.
The Leptospira bacteria are present worldwide, with more than
200 known serovars (strains) infecting mammals.
People and animals are usually infected with these bacteria from drinking or swimming in contaminated water or direct
contact with fluids or tissues of infected animals.
Where Can it Be Found?
Leptospirosis is more common in areas with warm climates
and high annual rainfall, but it can occur anywhere. Slow moving and stagnant water can harbor the bacteria. It can also be
contracted from wet, shaded grass or along banks of rivers
and lakes.
What Animals Are at Risk?
Dogs are most commonly affected. This disease is rare
in cats. It has been reported in cattle and horses in the U.S.
Common risk factors for leptospirosis in dog’s residing in
the U.S. include:
• Exposure to or drinking from rivers, lakes or streams
• Roaming on rural properties because of exposure to
potentially infected wildlife, farm animals or water sources
• Exposure to wild animal or farm animal species, even if
in the backyard
• Contact with rodents or other dogs (such as in urban dog
parks)
Are People at Risk?
Not only can this disease be spread from animals to people,
but people may be exposed in their environment through soil
and water as mentioned above. Infection can cause flu-like
symptoms and can cause liver and kidney disease. In the U.S.,
most cases of human leptospirosis result from recreational
activities involving water. Infection resulting from contact with
a pet, wild animal or livestock is much less common, but it is
possible.
Transmission
Leptospirosis is spread through contact with water, soil,
vegetation or any part of a moist environment contaminated
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by urine or tissue of infected animals or humans. These bacteria can be inactivated by drying, but can survive in a moist
environment for weeks or months. Humans and animals can
become infected through direct contact with infected urine or
other body tissues.
The Leptospira organism can enter the body through:
• broken skin (cut or scratch)
• mucous membranes (lining of the mouth, eyes, nose or
genitalia)
• ingestion of contaminated water or food or eating infected
tissues or carcasses
If an animal is infected with a type of Leptospira that is
adapted to that species of animal, then the animal will not
show clinical signs of illness, but will excrete the bacteria in
its urine for months or even years contaminating the environment. Animals will show clinical signs of leptospirosis when
infected with a type to which it is not adapted.
Clinical Signs in Dogs
Clinical signs of leptospirosis in dogs can vary in severity
based on the strain of bacteria, geographic location and how
the dog’s immune system reacts to the infection. Some dogs
show no signs of illness, some have a mild transient illness
and recover spontaneously, while others develop severe illness and death. Signs can be very nonspecific and include:
•fever
•lethargy
• lack of appetite
•depression
• vomiting and or diarrhea
• muscle pain and reluctance to move
•weakness
• increase thirst
• changes in frequency and amount of urine
• yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes
The disease can cause kidney failure and liver failure and
bleeding disorders associated with blood tinged vomit, urine,
stool or saliva.
Clinical signs of leptospirosis in livestock like cattle,
sheep, and horses can vary from fever and loss of appetite
to signs of kidney and liver damage. Leptospirosis can also
cause abortions, still births and premature births in several
species including horses and cattle.
Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
•
Oklahoma State University
Diagnosis
In addition to the physical examination, your veterinarian
may recommend radiographs and ultrasound examination,
and testing that identifies antibody production and DNA of
the organism. Leptospira infection is confirmed by clinical
signs and laboratory tests performed on blood and urine.
Starting proper antibiotic therapy early in the course
of leptospirosis will reduce the spread of the disease and
minimize the severity of liver and kidney damage. Pets may
have to be hospitalized to receive intensive or supportive care
especially in the moderate to severe stages of leptospirosis.
Prevention
There are approved vaccines available for pigs, cattle
and dogs to protect against some of the most common strains
of Leptospira. Your veterinarian is the best source of recommendations for the appropriate vaccination schedule for your
animals.
Reducing your pet’s exposure to possible sources of the
Leptospira bacteria can reduce it chances of infection.
• Avoid letting your dog drink from or swim in rivers, lakes,
ponds, marshy areas or slow-moving or stagnant water.
• Minimize contact with wildlife, farm animals and rodents,
including carcasses.
What if my Dog is Diagnosed
• Administer antibiotics properly as prescribed by your
veterinarian.
• Always wear gloves when handling the dog, cages, bowls,
or other items that may be contaminated with urine. It is
recommended to wash and disinfect any urine or fluid
stained areas or items with a 10 percent household bleach
(1 part bleach to 9 parts warm water). But remember even
diluted bleach may permanently discolor wood laminate
floors, carpet and upholstery.
• Segregate the infected dogs isolated from other animals.
Test all other dogs in the household and property for
leptospirosis.
• Take the dog to an isolated and confined area to urinate.
This area should not be accessible to other dogs or children and should be away from, ponds, creeks or pools.
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling
or playing with the dog.
• If any person in the household develops flu-like symptoms,
consult a physician as soon as possible and inform of
possible leptospirosis exposure.
For more information visit:
Oklahoma State Department of Health: http://www.ok.gov/
health/Disease,_Prevention,_Preparedness/Acute_Disease_
Service/Disease_Information/Leptospirosis.html
American Veterinary Medical Association: www.avma.org
with Leptospirosis?
If a dog is diagnosed with leptospirosis, take the following
precautions advised by the Oklahoma State Department of
Health:
American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine:
www.acvim.org
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Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Director of Cooperative Extension Service,
Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma. This publication is printed and issued by Oklahoma State University as authorized by the Vice President, Dean, and Director of the Division of
Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and has been prepared and distributed at a cost of 20 cents per copy. Revised 0714 GH.
VTMD-9130-2